Green Options » second hand

Let’s Talk Craft Shows: Outdoor Setups

Becky Striepe — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:45:20 +0000

The beginning of the year slump is almost over, and that means craft show season will be creeping up on us before we know it! What’s a green crafter to do about a display? Over the next few weeks, we’re going to look at a few eco-friendly display solutions for different setup needs.

[Tent at the Renegade Craft Fair. Creative Commons photo by LaCabeza Grande]

It’s still probably a bit cold for outdoor shows, but it’s not too cold to get planning! Some of the outdoor show needs are similar to the setups for indoor shows. You still need tables or some other surface to showcase your goodies, linens, and some horizontal display solutions. Outdoor festivals tend to have bigger spaces - usually, 10 feet X 10 feet - and you’ll probably have a tent. Here are some ideas for handling an outdoor setup!

Let’s Talk Craft Shows: Indoor Setups

Becky Striepe — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:18:27 +0000

The beginning of the year slump is almost over, and that means craft show season will be creeping up on us before we know it! What’s a green crafter to do about a display? Over the next few weeks, we’re going to look at a few eco-friendly display solutions for different setup needs.

It’s so tempting to hit up local big box stores for new display pieces. I’ll admit that it’s even easier sometimes. But where’s the fun in that? Getting your goodies second hand helps you present your wares in a unique, Earth-friendly way! The setup you go for really depends on what sort of show you’re doing. Indoor vendor spaces are often smaller than at outdoor shows. Unless your table is at the end of a row, you probably won’t have much natural vertical space, like you would with a tent. So what are some green ways to showcase your goodies?

10-Step Guide to Buying a Used Laptop That Works

Alex Felsinger — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:30:06 +0000

Buying second-hand products is always green, but it’s easy to be discouraged by the stories of broken laptops from eBay or Craigslist. To quell these fears, here is a 10-step checklist on how to find a used laptop that isn’t just a high-tech lemon.

Most wouldn’t flinch at the idea of buying a used car, but the thought of a used computer sends them squirming. The tech industry tries their hardest to keep it that way: they advertise new products in such a way to render the previous models perceptually obsolete; they block even the simplest hardware upgrades; and they sell bottom-of-the-line models that simply break within a couple years.

This shouldn’t scare you away from a used computer purchase, but know that they are imperfect machines; some research, determination, and basic knowledge is required. To make this list, I used both my own experience along with some tips from Peter Montesano of Peter’s PC Repair, one of the most highly regarded repair shops in San Francisco.

Green Style How-To: Adorn Magazine’s Fall 2007 Issue

Victoria Everman — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:18:33 +0000

Even after the flood of publications covering green issues and eco-living around April, recycling is still newsworthy. Adorn, the "crafty girl’s guide to embellishing life," is the newest title from NYC’s Soho Publishing, which also publishes the ever-popular Vogue Knitting Magazine. Released quarterly, Adorn’s Fall 2007 issue proudly exclaims "We Love Recycling! Thrift Your Way to New Fashion." With second-hand shops by the dozens here in San Francisco, it’s easy to see why buying and customizing vintage finds is much more affordable and stylish than ever. Already pleased with fellow Soho Publishing title Knit.1’s green issue (which is still available on newsstands), I was eager to see Adorn’s take on how us crafty crusaders can help save our planet.

Published as the first editorial feature in the Fall issue, "Renew, Repurpose, Reuse, Redo, Refashion" features a smattering of stats related to crafting garments from second-hand finds, starting on page 48. Four projects set the stage, but only three of them are wardrobe-related. Also included is a pattern for an ottoman covered with thrifted sweaters, great for amping up a footstool you already have or a somewhat-sustainable but bland new piece from IKEA. My first look at the fashion projects made me a bit hesitant, thinking "would I ever really wear that?" Quickly, I reminded myself that I could use any color or texture of second-hand garments, making the projects all the more exciting to undertake.

Shown first, the pieced jumper is stylish all on its own, but could be easily customized to have a longer length, no pockets, sleeves, and more. The sampler scarf, featured second, doesn’t even need a pattern or directions to follow - simply cut up some sweaters and sew them together. Adding a vintage or hand-knit piece of costume jewelry would lend even more personality to this particular creation. The third and final project, the felted bolero, teaches us how to use small elements of nature, such as marbles, shells, river rocks, or hazelnuts, to create a spectacularly textured vest. Adding sleeves from another sweater, pockets, a zipper, or button closure would be as easy as spending a couple extra minutes in front of the sewing machine.

For those with a passion for chains and baubles, check out page 64’s jewelry making "Lost & Found" feature. Sent a collection of vintage and new materials, three indie jewelry designers use their one-of-a-kind tastes to create unique pieces on the cheap. Though the feature focuses on necklaces, this concept can easily be embraced with any sort of accessory you are looking to craft: rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches … etc.

These two articles are the particular ones that lend themselves to green style, but the rest of Adorn magazine’s Fall 2007 issue is more than worth a look for more ideas and inspirations on how to create great new items or customize and update the ones you already own (but haven’t worn in how long?).